Davey Suicide – Rock Aint Dead (Album Review)

Taking shape in the strange land of California, Hollywood to be exact, Davey Suicide is an anomalous Hard Rock band with something to say, and they will make sure you hear it. A band with a long history, while Davey Suicide was birthed into existence nearly a decade ago, it was not until 2012 that they were signed before releasing their first full-length album in early 2013. Touring with others like Static-X, Twiztid, as well as Dope, they quickly earned recognition by numerous publications as a band you need to know. Through ups and downs their fame and sound only grew, so it comes as no surprise that their screams can be heard even louder on their fourth studio album, Rock Aint Dead, set for release on Friday, January 24, 2020 via Out Of Line Music/InGrooves.

A culmination of 13 songs, the album bursts to life with its title-track, “Rock Aint Dead,” a shrieking and relentless monster of music. A great start, it is a reminder that Rock is a genre that refuses to be silenced or pacified. Next, “Medicate Me” features the nefarious vocal stylings of The Word Alive’s Telle Smith. The grinding and gritty guitar chugs play perfectly along to Davey Suicide’s parody of sticks and stones with lyrics such as,  “I‘d wish you the best but your best was me.” Additionally, the chorus releases with a melodic touch of Smith’s sonorous singing, interchanging with the rougher tone of Suicide. 

Moving along, “Animal” utilizes a sweeter, synth-based sound,  as well as the guest appearance of Young Guns’ Gustav Wood, resulting in a far more Pop-centric experience. The instrumental is tinged in Electronica while the drums are crisp and the interjection of guitars is minimal, giving off delicious Alt-Rock appeal. The following, “One of My Kind,” oozes sex appeal and wicked intent with the thundering bounce of guitars, whirring synth, and a ferocious guitar solo. This is while “One of My Kind” embraces the darkness in every person with an unapologetic allure and an abundant honesty exemplified by Suicide’s vocal performance.

Then there is “Death Won’t Tear Us Apart,” which pulls away from the body of the album with a gentler tone and softer pace. The synth along with drums play together in a dusky tempo as Suicide calls out his promises and woes. In its own unusual way it is a lovelorn tableau, set apart from Davey Suicide’s typical themes, yet weaves together with that of the album. Thereafter, the introduction to “Disappear” is ambient and sorrowful with the echoing of acoustic guitar and the breathy mutter of Suicide. The track elevates into the truth of someone worn ragged and ready to leave it all behind. 

“Sinner” and “Riot” are similar to the sound and make up of their fellow tracks, but remain catchy and very enjoyable. “Sinner” is a gentler, younger sibling to sexier pieces from Rock Aint Dead, while “Riot” brings in the fast-paced energy through synth and guitar work. Following up, “Addict” is a curious bedfellow that features Californian Rapper Hyro the Hero in its tales of dependency, compulsion, and defiance. It circles with multiple viewpoints, especially that of the never-ending struggle to maintain sobriety. 

Davey Suicide’s overall sound resides in an epicenter of eclectic inspirations ranging from Wednesday 13 to Marilyn Manson and the resulting sound is just as savage. The bizarre charisma of the band’s leader comes through in fleeting but unforgettable one liners like “Sticks and stones will break the bones of a person who has no spine. There is no shortage of thrilling Heavy Rock thanks to Davey and his solid lineup, featuring Niko Gemini (guitar), Derek Obscura (bass), and long time collaborator Needlz (keyboards). That is why Cryptic Rock gives Rock Aint Dead 4 out of 5 stars. 

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